New 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit Set to Pace Back-to-Back NASCAR Races in Phoenix

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Feb 28, 2012, 09:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

NASCAR Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series races in Phoenix on March 3 and 4 mark Dodge Charger Pursuit pace car debuts
Benchmark setting: 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8's record-setting lap time at Michigan State Police's annual evaluation test (1:33.70) highlights the segment's best combination of acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics
Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 delivers the best-in-class acceleration needed for police-fleet duty, including 0-to 60 mph in under 6 seconds
Mopar^® offers six factory-installed police upfit packages to provide one-stop shopping for law enforcement customers

Taking a moment from setting benchmarks in the police vehicle segment, the new 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit — America's high-performance police vehicle — will pace both NASCAR Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series races in Phoenix on March 3 and 4.

"Phoenix marks our new track-proven Dodge Charger Pursuit's inaugural pace car weekend, while highlighting the fastback sedan's benchmark levels of performance and the Dodge brand's 62nd year of NASCAR racing heritage," said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC. "With its rear-wheel-drive design, best-in-class V-8 power, up to 27 highway mpg, six available Mopar factory-installed police packages and the fastest lap time ever recorded (1:33.70) during Michigan State Police's annual evaluation tests – Dodge Charger Pursuit can get it done protecting the streets and leading on the track."

From the first Dodge Coronet Carl Wilkerson drove in a 1950 Grand National race in Canfield, Ohio, the Dodge brand has more than 62 years of stock car history. The inaugural pace car run of the new 2012 Charger Pursuit marks another milestone in the Dodge brand and Charger nameplate's storied history.

Benchmark and record-setting performance
Designed and engineered to be America's high-performance police vehicle, the new 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-6 and V-8 models set new levels of performance during the Michigan State Police's (MSP) 2012 Police Vehicle Evaluation tests.

With its best-in-class 370-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI engine, the Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 model delivered the fastest lap time ever recorded (1:33.70) during MSP's 2012 Police Vehicle Evaluation tests last fall. In addition, the 292 horsepower Charger Pursuit V-6 models showcased their world-class performance and precision – holding their own around Grattan Raceway with the fastest average lap times for naturally aspirated (1:37.71) and E-85 capable (1:37.57) six-cylinder powered police cars.

Rapid acceleration also is critical to quickly catching up to target vehicles. During MSP's 2012 Police Vehicle Evaluation tests, the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 also delivered the police sedan segment's fastest acceleration times.

0-to-60 mph (5.83 sec)
0-to-70 mph (7.38 sec)
0-to-80 mph (9.18 sec)
0-to-90 mph (11.43 sec)
0-to-100 mph (13.65 sec)

Ready-for-duty right from the manufacturer
Enhancing Dodge Charger Pursuit's world-class levels of technology, safety, handling and efficient power, Mopar^® teamed up with industry-equipment leaders to develop six factory-installed police packages that are designed to provide law-enforcement officers with the best combination of tactical equipment and performance. These police-equipment packages feature emergency lighting, audible warning, communications and safety equipment.

The 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit's available police-equipment packages include:

Base Prep Police Package: includes front and rear wire harness, power distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Patrol Package 1: includes police floor console, front-corner LED lamps, rear-corner LED lamps, front and rear wire harness, power-distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Patrol Package 2: includes police floor console, push bumper, front and rear wire harness, power-distribution center, siren speaker and bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Patrol Package 3: includes push bumper, police floor console, front corner LED lamps, rear corner LED lamps, front and rear wire harness, power distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk accessory cooling fan
Slick Top Police Package 1: includes police floor console, front and rear wire harness, power-distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan
Slick Top Police Package 2: includes front-corner LED lamps, rear-corner LED lamps, front and rear wire harness, power distribution center, siren speaker with bracket, trunk tray and trunk cooling fan

In addition to the six packages, 24 Mopar tactical accessories may be ordered, including light bars, LED lighting systems, push bumper, CAN-control siren system and more.

About the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit
America's high-performance police vehicle — the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit — provides law-enforcement with the best combination of tactical technology, safety, power, efficiency and an iconic design.

New for 2012, Dodge Charger Pursuit offers six all-new quality-tested and factory-installed police-equipment packages backed by the factory. In addition, 24 free-standing options allow for the customer to equip the Charger Pursuit to his or her specification.

The Dodge Charger features two uncompromised, high-performance engines that deliver world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.

Engineered to perform, the aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, offers E-85 flex-fuel capability and up to 27 highway mpg. For best-in-class power, the Charger Pursuit's legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology delivers 370 best-in-class horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of torque, 0-to-60 mph in under 6 seconds and up to 25 highway mpg.

With superior ride and handling, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features Chrysler Group's second-generation large car rear-wheel-drive architecture with performance-tuned suspension, load-leveling Nivomat shocks, heavy-duty anti-lock vented-disc brakes (ABS), front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels and two-mode police-specific Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Developed with the guidance of the brand's Police Advisory Board, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features a mobile-command interior with unique features, including a Vehicle Systems Interface Module for easy equipment integration, heavy-duty police-duty front seats and column-mounted shifter with Auto Stick.

In addition to its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the Dodge Charger Pursuit surrounds the heroic men and women who protect with uncompromising safety and security equipment, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers and driver's knee bag.

About the Dodge Brand
For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs built for top performance – from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive design. With the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, the all-new Dodge Charger paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the new Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan – inventor of the minivan – Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the United States.